A recent rattlesnake incident in Mendocino County hits close to home for anyone in Marin County. Venomous snakebites happen—sometimes alarmingly close—whether you’re in Mill Valley, Tiburon, Fairfax, or San Rafael.
This post looks at the Mendocino case, sets it against a backdrop of more bites statewide in 2026, and shares some practical tips for hikers and residents around Marin—from Point Reyes to Stinson Beach and beyond.
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A sobering case: Mendocino County rattlesnake death and the national trend
A 78-year-old woman from Redwood Valley died after a rattlesnake bit her on rural Mendocino County property. She made it to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, but passed away two days later.
Doctors linked her death to severe blood clotting issues triggered by the venom. It’s the third fatal rattlesnake bite in California since January, which is a jump from the usual average of about one per year.
In just the first three months of 2026, California’s Poison Control System counted 77 rattlesnake bite reports. That’s already more than what’s typical for a whole year. Folks around Marin—from San Rafael and Novato to Ross and Larkspur—should probably pay attention to these numbers and stay alert when out in the North Bay.
The science behind the spike
Experts blame a “perfect storm” for this year’s spike in rattlesnake encounters. Heavy winter rains brought a burst of new plants and more rodents, which means more food for snakes.
Then, a record-hot March woke snakes from hibernation early, making them more active during the day. This means more chances for people to cross paths with snakes along Marin’s hillsides—think Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin Headlands, and the Olema area.
- Thick plant growth gives snakes more places to hide and hunt, especially in spring corridors around Marinwood, Fairfax, and San Anselmo.
- With snakes coming out sooner, hikers are more likely to spot them along trails near Point Reyes Station, Tomales Bay, and the coastal bluffs by Stinson Beach.
- Doctors point out that, even with the rise in bites, deaths are still rare in the U.S. Quick medical care and antivenom save lives.
Marin County hikers and residents: what this means locally
If you love exploring Marin’s landscapes—redwood groves near Samuel P. Taylor Park, ferny trails in Muir Woods, or the rocky paths at Mount Tamalpais State Park—just know: snakes are out and about, especially on sunny, grassy spots and rocky stretches.
In neighborhoods near Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Tiburon, stick to clear trails, wear sturdy boots, and watch your step in tall grass or brush. Out by San Geronimo Valley or Nicasio Reservoir, keep an eye out for snakes sunning themselves near water or in low brush on warm days.
Safety first: what to do if bitten
If a snake bites you, doctors say the most important things are to stay calm, slow the venom’s spread, and get medical help fast. Skip outdated first aid tricks—they can actually make things worse.
- Call 911 right away. Paramedics can get you antivenom as soon as possible.
- Try not to move and keep the bitten limb still. Take off rings or tight jewelry before swelling starts.
- Don’t use ice, tourniquets, suction, or cut the wound. Those old-school methods don’t help and can cause more damage.
- If you can, note the time of the bite and what the snake looked like, but don’t try to catch or kill it. Leave that to the pros.
Local resources and guidance for Marin communities
Experts at UC Davis Health and state Poison Control remind Marin residents that rapid medical evaluation is key. In Marin County, hospitals like MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, along with North Bay partners, work with statewide poison control networks to get antivenom to patients quickly.
If you’re hiking near Point Reyes, Stinson Beach, or Tomales Bay and think you’ve been bitten, call 911 right away or get to the closest emergency department. Don’t wait around—prompt care really makes a difference.
Practical prevention matters, especially for families hiking with kids or dogs in the county’s coastal hills. Stick to marked trails in Tamalpais Valley, check your footing in Corte Madera’s bay steps, or along the Sonoma–Marin coastline corridor.
Be extra careful during dawn and dusk, since snakes tend to be more active then. For updates or advice, you can reach the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222 or check in with local public health offices in San Rafael or Corte Madera for the latest safety info.
Here is the source article for this story: California woman dies after snake bite, third death of 2026
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